Water World

Thursday

Apr 18, 2013 at 10:58 PMApr 19, 2013 at 12:20 AM

Ionia County citizens brace for record-breaking flood levels

Karen Botakaren.bota@sentinel-standard.com

Almost a party atmosphere prevailed at the Ionia Free Fair grounds early Thursday evening, as a steady flow of cars, trucks and vans drove in and out of what – throughout most of the year – is the entrance to the parking lot. Vehicles stopped while their occupants flashed pictures of the rising waters with cell phones and cameras. The Grand River has flooded one end of the fairgrounds to the other.

"I'm 51, and I've never seen it like this," said Rhonda Butler of Ionia, who waded into the water past her ankles to get a closer look. "It's fascinating. I don't like the destruction, but I am in awe. I've been telling my kids there's no way this will happen again in their lifetime."

But flooding is serious business. Ten inches of moving water can knock over an adult, and 2 feet of moving water can sweep a car away, said Rachel Pieske, an Americorps volunteer who serves with the American Red Cross educating about disaster preparedness.

"And stay out of the water," she said. "You don't know what is in it: trash, gasoline (or worse)."

The Grand River is expected to rise two more feet by Friday morning, according to the Ionia County Office of Emergency Management.

Flood waters have closed around 20 roads and washed out bridges across Ionia County, said Dorothy Pohl, managing director of the Ionia County Road Commission, most of them in the northern part of the county.

"The ones on the list are barricaded, and you cannot drive through," Pohl said. "As soon as we can get to them, we will post signage. We're working on that."

The list of closed roads is posted on the Ionia County Central Dispatch Facebook page and is being updated regularly.

Pohl added that, if the road is closed, citizens should not try to drive through, but should abide by the slogan, "Turn around. Don't drown."

The problem with water over the roadway is that drivers can't be sure what is underneath the water, said Doug Devries, the county's emergency management coordinator.

"It could be two inches of water, or a huge gap and bang, you're 15 feet down," he said. "Don't drive on. Don't stop on top of culverts, because they could wash away at any time."

There are other roads in the county that have water on them, and with care people can use them. However, Pohl said, water is still rising, and some areas may be passable now, but drivers may not be able to return home. Everything is drenched, there is nowhere for the water to go – and it's moving fast.

"Our engineer was out by Lyons Dam, and watched it go up a foot in 30 minutes," she said. "It's probably best if you stay home if you can, and don't go looking for trouble."

The National Weather Service has predicted that the Grand River in Ionia will crest at 27.5 feet by about 3 p.m. Saturday, the "ultimate record high," said Devries. That high would beat any on record.

The Grand River's top five historical crests, as recorded by the NWS are:(1) 24.30 feet on March 21, 1948(2) 23.60 feet on April 7, 1947(3) 23.43 feet on April 1, 1960(4) 23.41 feet on May 25, 2004(5) 23.19 feet on March 6, 1976

The Grand River is considered by the NWS at flood state at 21 feet, and major flood state at 25 feet.

Devries said his office is working with John Bush, the county drain commissioner, to plot elevation using the GIS computer system to determine what areas could be affected by the major flood level expected. The map will be published so residents and businesses can use it to prepare for potential flooding.

They also are working with Lyons-Muir and Saranac officials and watching current and projected water levels, in case sand-bagging and evacuations become necessary, he said.

At press time, Saranac Community Schools cancelled school on Friday for "the safety of our students."

"We ask that you monitor your local radio and television stations, as well as the Ionia Department of Public Safety and the Ionia County Central Dispatch Facebook page for updates," Devries added.

Another flood-related issue for residents who are not on the municipal sewer line is they may have problems with their septic fields. Devries suggested they contact the Ionia County Health Department with any concerns.

He also recommended that residents not try to stay in their homes if their basements become flooded and they do not have heat, or if their road or driveway becomes impassable.

"If you don't have clear egress from the residence, we suggest you not stay either," Devries said. "If you don't have family or friends to go to, it's a good idea to go to the shelter."

The Red Cross of West Michigan opened an emergency shelter Thursday at the Ionia Armory and Community Center for residents who are not able to stay in their homes due to flooding.

Brandon Baird of the Red Cross said people were expected to start coming in Thursday night. He has 14 cots set up, but plenty more ready; plus comfort kits with toiletries, a washcloth and soap, and a coloring book, crayons and a stuffed animal for children who may come to the shelter. The space is handicapped accessible, has access to showers, and will have food on-site, donated by Olivera's.

"We're here as long as the general public needs us," Baird said.

For help, contact www.redcross.org.

Follow Karen Bota on Twitter @KarenB_ISS.

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